10th Arsenal player withdraws from internationals
10th Arsenal player withdraws from internationals Martin Zubimendi has withdrawn from international duty with Spain, with Arsenal now into double figures for withdrawals this month. Photo by Mark Thompson/Getty Images Spain have confirmed that Martin Zubimendi has withdrawn from the national team camp due to discomfort in his right knee. The withdrawal sounds largely precautionary, with Spain confirming they’ve sent him back to avoid any risk and to protect the player’s health.
The statement adds that Arsenal’s medical staff have been informed, with Zubimendi becoming the 10th Gunners player to withdraw from the internationals. Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images The other nine players to pull out were Declan Rice , Bukayo Saka , Noni Madueke , and Eberechi Eze (England), Piero Hincapie (Ecuador), William Saliba (France), Gabriel Magalhaes (Brazil), Leandro Trossard (Belgium), and Jurrien Timber (Netherlands). It seems unlikely there will be any further withdrawals, barring any serious injury setbacks in the coming days.
The only players remaining on international duty with friendlies coming up are Gabriel Martinelli (Brazil), Ben White (England), Kai Havertz (Germany), and David Raya and Cristhian Mosquera (Spain). All five are probably pretty keen to do all they can to make an impression ahead of this summer’s World Cup tournament, given none of their places in their respective starting lineups are guaranteed. So they’re more likely to play through anything minor.
Photo by Stuart Franklin/Getty Images Then Viktor Gyokeres (Sweden), Christian Norgaard (Denmark), Riccardo Calafiori (Italy), and Jakub Kiwior (Poland) are all involved in vital World Cup qualifiers on Tuesday, so there’s little to no chance any of them will pull out unless they absolutely have to.